the social network

Longtime fans of Aaron Sorkin will recognize the writer has recycled plot points and dialogue on several of his television and movie scripts, but if you’ve only casually watched Sorkin’s work you might not realize how much of the author’s voice comes across from simple phrases (“look at my face,” “I’m not other people,” “not for nothing,” “eat ’em up,” “and you know it,” “bet your ass,” “what do you want from me?”) to large points (such as a character’s father having a secret affair for 28 years).

This wasn’t a year to wow you. 2010 may have been somewhat of an off year for movies, but there are several quality films that hit theaters this year which are worth noting. A couple things struck me as I was putting together this list. First, how actresses stepped up huge this year. Whether in lead or supporting roles, it was a year dominated by the performances of the fairer sex. And second, 2010 was a year of raw emotion, almost visceral, brought to screen. You might argue that one or two of my choices didn’t have elaborate plots, but each delivered on an emotional level.

Another year of Cinema has come and gone, and I can’t help but feel we got cheated of any true masterpieces. Having said that, the next rung down – the four- and four-and-a-half star films of the world – seemed to be abnormally plentiful this year. In crafting my ten favorite films of the year, I ultimately came up with twenty-four films that I felt were worthy of a spot on the list – if not necessarily in any year, then pracitcally as much as any one that did make 2010’s cut. (As such, the unlucky fourteen are listed at the end). The following movies could just of easily been presented without order, none of them feel head-and-shoulders above any other; but after a few days of indecision, this is what I came to. Let me know what you think below – what were your favorite movies of the year?[click to continue…]

It’s hard to overestimate the effect that Facebook has had on my generation. It’s not just a part of our days, it’s a part of our lives. Sometimes late at night, I stay up and ask myself, “How did people communicate without wall posts and pokes?” (I assume a combination of carrier pigeons and smoke signals, but I’m not sure. Ask Carrot.)

So if there’s any story that could be the stuff of legend to people my age, it might be the one behind The Social Network, based on the book based on the real events that went down behind the creation of Facebook. Luke Skywalker might have blown up the Death Star, but these guys created something I spend (way too much) time with everyday. The only question is, can the execution of the story justify its monumental effect on my life?